Pets - Recession Victims

The family dog is the latest casualty of rising foreclosures.
As more families are forced to sell their homes, an increasing number of pets are being left behind in shelters or, worse, empty houses. Though it is difficult to put an exact figure on the number of abandoned pets, shelters across the country say they are seeing double-digit percentage increases in the number of animals left in their care. The Humane Society estimates that more than 3 million animals will be euthanized this year.
"The more foreclosures, the more abandoned pets," said Dawn Lauer, outreach coordinator with the Humane Society. "The majority of shelters we speak to have been seeing an increase in animals coming in. There are heartbroken families that are moving to rentals or in with family members and are unable to keep their pets."
Caring for a pet adds hundreds of dollars to the yearly bills. Pet food costs between $125 and $500-per-year, depending on the size of the pet, according to PetEducation.com. Vaccinations and standard veterinary bills often add another $100 to $500-a-year to the cost, depending on the age of the animal. Add the cost of regular medications, such as heartworm pills, chew toys, and the occasional trip to the groomers and it's not difficult to see why Americans spent a combined $32 billion on their pets last year.
"When somebody gets a pet, they should really be considering any kind of financial problems they could have and make sure that they are planning ahead," says Lauer, adding "if they are going to give the animal to a shelter, they need to call ahead because, unfortunately, there are a lot of people in similar situations."

Shelters across the country are taking steps to stop the influx of abandoned animals. In Richmond, Va., the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers to board pets until families get back on their feet. They also have pantries and clinics that provide free pet food and veterinary care to pet owners who don't want to give up their animals, but can't afford to care for them at the moment.
During the past several months, the Richmond SPCA has seen a 15% to 25% increase in the number of pet owners who come in and qualify for its free services.
"We recognize that families are struggling to get ongoing care for their pets," says Tamsen Kingry, Chief Operating Officer of the Richmond SPCA. Kingry estimates that the free programs helped keep between 300 and 400 animals in their homes last year.
Unfortunately, there are not enough grants and free programs to meet the needs of all the families and shelters asking for help. Earlier this month, the Humane Society of the United States temporarily suspended a grant program for rescue groups because demand exceeded funding.
Shelter owners say they are seeing more pets that have simply been abandoned in their former home.
"They assume that people will come into the home, but it can take a long time," says Lauer, "and the pet cannot survive on its own."
Aside from taking advantage of free services, where available, pet owners have other options to reduce costs. Dog food companies will often offer coupons and discounts to loyal customers that call and ask for them, says Cathy Bendzunas, a Virginia Beach resident with four dogs who writes the dog-lovers blog "bloggydoggies."
"You can email the customer service department and tell them how much you love their product and ask for coupons, and they will send you some," says Bendzunas. "I've done that, but you have to ask."
Another tip? Bendzunas says that pricier dog food can actually turn out to cheaper because the dogs seem to get full faster.
"There's always a way to keep your pet," says Bendzunas, adding that if she ever finds herself without a home. "My dogs are coming with me."